• Backpack wins the 2026 Fat Bear Week contest with 103,344 votes.
• He is the son of 2019 champion Holly and known for his gentle nature.
• The competition featured 16 bears and drew international attention.

Backpack, a brown bear also known as Bear 89, was declared the winner of the 2026 Fat Bear Week competition, receiving 103,344 votes, narrowly defeating fellow competitor Bear 910, who garnered 98,253 votes. The event, held at Katmai National Park in Alaska, celebrates the resilience and size of these mighty bears, which number about 2,200 in the preserve. The competition's popularity was evident as it is reported to have "broke the internet" during the voting process, necessitating an extension due to overwhelming participation, according to CBS News and BBC.

The nonprofit managing the event noted that Backpack's victory comes as a reflection of his "quiet strength," distinguishing him from other more aggressive bears. His win followed several rounds of intense competition against a total of 16 bears, and he is celebrated for his ability to strategically forage for food, accumulating fat reserves necessary for hibernation, reports Al Jazeera and BBC.

Backpack's name is derived from his childhood habit of climbing onto his mother's back while navigating the waters of the Brooks River, where salmon are plentiful. His mother, Holly, is a former Fat Bear Week champion, having won in 2019. This link to past champions adds to Backpack's appeal among voters, as he represents not just individual prowess but also a legacy of robust and resilient bears at Brooks River, according to CBS News and Al Jazeera.

The annual Fat Bear Week has gained significant traction since its inception, attracting over 1.7 million votes from fans globally last year alone. The competition not only entertains but also raises awareness about the brown bear population and its environment, with fans able to watch the bears live online before casting their votes. This year, Backpack's supporters highlighted his expansive size, describing him affectionately as a "big fuzzy boy." His gentle demeanor sets him apart, with park officials noting he has displayed little aggression compared to other contestants, according to CBS News and Al Jazeera.